The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking anglers to voluntarily refrain from fishing at two Sheridan Region waters after temperature monitors showed conditions that threaten trout survival.
Which waters are affected
Wildlife managers asked anglers not to fish at the North Sayles ponds on the Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area near Buffalo and at Muddy Guard Reservoir #1. Signs explaining the voluntary closures will be posted at major access points to those fisheries.
Why managers issued the request
Fisheries staff placed temperature loggers in June at multiple sites because of a low winter snowpack and an early, warm spring in the Sheridan Region. By July 16 readings at the lowest North Sayles Reservoir and at Muddy Guard #1 were consistently high—measured at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Due to low snowpack this winter and early, warm temperatures in the Sheridan Region, our fisheries managers placed temperature loggers in June at multiple locations to monitor temperature," said Game and Fish Sheridan Region Fisheries Supervisor Stephen Siddons.
Trout become stressed when water temperatures approach 70°F, and by 75°F most trout cannot recover from being caught and released. Because the recent readings exceed those levels, biologists are asking anglers to temporarily avoid the listed waters.
What anglers should do
Game and Fish suggests several alternatives that help protect trout populations while allowing anglers to continue fishing:
- Fish at higher-elevation streams and lakes where water remains cooler.
- Target warmwater species such as bass and panfish that tolerate higher temperatures.
- When water temperatures reach about 65°F, consider harvesting rather than catch-and-release to reduce stress on trout.
The department noted it is likely other local waters are also experiencing sustained high temperatures, pointing to the Middle Fork of the Powder River, local creeks and the Tongue River in the canyon as nearing concern levels.
| Temperature | Implication for trout |
|---|---|
| 65°F | Encouraged to harvest rather than catch-and-release |
| 70°F | Trout become stressed; anglers urged to stop catch-and-release |
| 75°F | Most trout cannot recover from catch-and-release |
| 78°F | Recent readings at North Sayles and Muddy Guard #1 |
The voluntary pause is intended to protect trout populations during a period of unusually high summer water temperatures and to reduce fish stress and mortality. The department emphasized cooperation from anglers while temperatures remain elevated.
Officials will continue monitoring temperatures and post signage at affected access points. Anglers seeking current conditions should consult Wyoming Game and Fish resources for updates and alternative fishing locations that are less likely to be temperature-stressed.
